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Guided Reading & Analysis: The Politics of the Gilded Age, 1877-1900
Chapter 19- The Gilded Age pp 380-391
Reading Assignment: Ch. 19 AMSCO; If you do not have the AMSCO text, use chapter
23 of American Pageant and/or online resources such as the website, podcast, crash
course video, chapter outlines, Hippocampus, etc.
Purpose: This guide is not only a place to record notes as you read, but also to provide a
place and structure for reflections and analysis using your noggin (thinking skills) with new
knowledge gained from the reading. The benefits of this activity go far beyond a homework
grade. 
Deja vu
Mastery of the course and AP exam await all who choose to process the information
as they read/receive.
So… young Jedi… what is your choice? Do? Or do not? There is no try .
Pictured: Gilded Age Presidents, Grant-Hayes-Garfield-Arthur-Cleveland-Harrison-Cleveland-McKinley,Public Domain.
Directions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pre-Read:
Read the prompts/questions within this guide before you read the chapter.
Skim:
Flip through the chapter and note titles and subtitles. Look at images and read captions. Get a feel for the content you are about to read.
Read/Analyze: Read the chapter. If you have your own copy of AMSCO, Highlight key events and people as you read. Remember, the goal is not
to “fish” for a specific answer(s) to reading guide questions, but to consider questions in order to critically understand what you read!
Write
Write (do not type) your notes and analysis in the spaces provided. Complete it in INK!
Key Concepts FOR PERIOD 6:
Key Concept 6.1: Technological advances, large-scale production methods, and the opening of new markets encouraged the rise of
industrial capitalism in the United States.
Key Concept 6.2: The migrations that accompanied industrialization transformed both urban and rural areas of the United States
and caused dramatic social and cultural change.
Key Concept 6.3: The Gilded Age produced new cultural and intellectual movements, public reform efforts, and political
debates over economic and social policies.
Section 1 Background and Introduction, page 380
Read page 380 and additional information below. Highlight major cues, and answer the question that follows.
The Gilded Age, which spanned the final three decades of the nineteenth century, was one of the most dynamic, contentious, and volatile periods in
American history. America's industrial economy exploded, generating unprecedented opportunities for individuals to build great fortunes but also leaving many
farmers and workers struggling merely for survival. Overall national wealth increased more than fivefold, a staggering increase, but one that was accompanied by
what many saw as an equally staggering disparity between the rich and the poor. Industrial giants like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller revolutionized
business and ushered in the modern corporate economy, but also, ironically, sometimes destroyed free-market economic competition in the process. Record
numbers of citizens voted in national elections, but the politicians they voted for were often lackluster figures who turned a blind eye to the public interest. It was, as
Dickens might have said, the best of times and the worst of times. But even that Dickensian understanding of the Gilded Age isn't quite right. It's not enough to say
that the Gilded Age was a time of high highs and low lows; the highs and lows were actually often deeply intertwined parts of the exact same developments. In other
words, the highs often were the lows, and vice versa. In the Gilded Age, every dark cloud had its silver lining… and every silver lining had its dark cloud. For more
than a hundred years, critics have been ripping the business strategies that allowed big industrialists to build powerful monopolies—but those much-maligned
monopolies brought desperately needed order to America's immature economic system. Many have also long resented the immense fortunes of personal wealth that
a handful of big businessmen were able to acquire—but that wealth paid for a huge surge in philanthropy, building hundreds of libraries, schools, museums, and
other public facilities still enjoyed by the American people even today. Reformers decried the way urban politicians turned corruption into a way of life—but those
same crooked politicians also provided vital services to working-class and immigrant neighborhoods. The Gilded Age was a dynamic age of incredible economic
opportunity, just as it was a harsh era of incredible economic exploitation. Any version of this tale that includes only the exploitation but not the dynamism—or vice
versa—is missing half the story. (Smoop.com)
How did the Gilded Age differ from the era of Reconstruction?
Why did Mark Twain call this era “gilded?”
Section 2 Guided Reading, pp 380-391
The Presidents of the Gilded Age are often called the “Forgettables.” This string of single term presidents begins with Hayes and ends with Cleveland (who served
two inconsecutive terms. McKinley is sometimes included in this era as is Grant, but… Grant is more significant to Reconstruction era and McKinley to Imperialism,
many historians assert. These presidents were more “administrators” than “leaders.”
1. Politics of the Gilded Age, pp 380-385
Key Concepts &
Main Ideas
The “Gilded Age”
witnessed new
cultural and
intellectual
movements in
tandem with
political debates
over economic and
social policies.
Gilded Age politics
were intimately tied
to big business
and focused
nationally on
economic issues —
tariffs, currency,
corporate
expansion, and
laissez-faire
economic policy
— that engendered
numerous calls for
reform.
Notes
Analysis
Politics of the Gilded Age…
Explain the key issue dividing Mugwumps,
Halfbreeds, and Stalwarts.
Causes of Stalemate…
1)
2)
Belief in Limited Government…
List three similarities between Antebellum Era
Democrats and Gilded Age Democrats:
1)
2)
Campaign Strategy…
3)
List three similarities between Antebellum Era
Republicans (you may include the Whigs in this
comparison) and Gilded Age Republicans:
1)
Republicans…
2)
3)
* One scandal not
outlined in your book
(during the Grant years)
is the Indian Ring.
Belknap, Secretary of
War, was forced to resign
after taking bribes from
suppliers to Indian
reservations… was
impeached and removed
by Congress after he
resigned (resigned to
avoid it but they did it
anyway).
How was the Antebellum Two Party System
different from the Gilded Age Two Party system?
Democrats…
*Turn back to page 300 and re-read the section
on Greed and Corruption during the Grant years.
Then, define the following:
Party Patronage…
Fisk & Gould scandal:
Credit Mobilier affair:
Whiskey Ring:
Presidential Politics…
Rutherford B. Hayes…
Tweed Ring:
REMEMBER…As you read the chapter, jot down your notes in the middle column. Consider your notes to be elaborations on the Objectives and
Main Ideas presented in the left column and in the subtitles of the text. INCLUDE IN YOUR NOTES ALL SIGNIFICANT VOCABULARY AND PEOPLE. After
read and take notes, thoughtfully, analyze what you read by answering the questions in the right column. Remember this step is essential to your
processing of information. Completing this guide thoughtfully will increase your retention as well as your comprehension!
Politics in the Gilded Age Continued…
Key Concepts and
Main Ideas
Notes
Analysis
James. Garfield…
How did the role of government change
during Garfield, Arthur, and Cleveland’s
terms in office?
Chester A. Arthur…
Pendleton Act (p.384)…
The “Gilded Age”
witnessed new cultural
and intellectual
movements in tandem
with political debates
over economic and social
policies.
Gilded Age politics were
intimately tied to big
business and focused
nationally on economic
issues — tariffs,
currency,
corporate expansion,
and laissez-faire
economic policy — that
engendered numerous
calls for reform.
Congressional Leaders…
Explain how the issue of spoils or
patronage in the Gilded Age is similar to
politics in the Jackson Era.
The Election of 1884…
Which was more significant to Gilded
Age political corruption, patronage or
the power of big business? Consider
your reading on both industrialization
and politics. Defend your answer with
specific evidence.
Cleveland’s First Term…
Interstate Commerce Act…
Dawes Act…
Issues: Civil Service, Currency, and Tariffs…
Civil Service Reform…
(during Arthur’s presidency… put notes on this topic under Arthur above)
Politics in the Gilded Age Continued…
Key Concepts and
Main Ideas
The “Gilded Age”
witnessed new cultural
and intellectual
movements in tandem
with political debates
over economic and social
policies.
Gilded Age politics were
intimately tied to big
business and focused
nationally on economic
issues — tariffs,
currency,
corporate expansion,
and laissez-faire
economic policy — that
engendered numerous
calls for reform.
Notes
Money Question…
Debtors, farmers, and start-ups wanted…
Bankers, creditors, investors, and established businesses wanted…
Greenback Party…
Demands for Silver Money…
Tariff issue…
Going Deeper… The Gold Standard
Highlight cues as you read and review!
During the nineteenth century, U.S. currency was backed by both gold and silver—in other words, a dollar in silver, nickel, or copper coins or in
paper money was guaranteed by the government to be convertible into a dollar's worth of either metal. As a result of this "bimetallic standard," the
valuation of U.S. currency fluctuated wildly. Because the value of the two metals on the open market was constantly changing, speculators were able
to turn a profit by selling their coins for more than their face value when the value of the metal exceeded its denomination. When the government
flooded the market with silver coins, the price of silver dropped, citizens traded in their silver coins for gold, and federal gold reserves were
exhausted. At the same time, prices of wholesale and retail goods saw a steady decline from the end of the Civil War through the 1890s, sending
farmers and other providers of goods, whose fixed debts did not decline, into crisis. This chronic monetary instability was a large factor in the 1896
election of President William McKinley, who ran on a platform that included a change to a gold standard. In 1900 McKinley signed the Gold
Standard Act, making gold reserves the basis of the monetary system. The gold standard remained in effect until 1933, when the economic
pressures of the Great Depression—including gold-hoarding by a panicked citizenry—led the United States to abandon it, and legislation was
passed that allowed the Federal Reserve to expand the supply of paper money irrespective of gold reserves. We went completely off the Gold
Standard during Nixon’s administration. Today our paper money is “fiat” money… back by nothing tangible.
Bimetalism is…
Gold Standard is…
Textbook or Internet Search Break…
Review the economic policies below by explaining each one’s purpose and impact on the American economy.
Legal Tender Act 1862
National Banking Act 1863
Purpose:
Purpose:
Impact on economy:
Impact on economy:
Coinage Act 1873
Purpose:
Impact on economy:
Bland Allison Act 1878
Specie Payment Resumption Act 1874
Purpose:
Impact on economy:
Gold Standard Act 1900
Purpose:
Purpose:
Impact on economy:
Impact on economy:
2. Back to the Book…. The Growth of Discontent, 1888-1896, pp 385-388
Key Concepts
and Main
Ideas
The “Gilded
Age” witnessed
new cultural
and intellectual
movements in
tandem with
political
debates over
economic and
social policies.
Notes
The Growth of Discontent, 1888-1896…
Harrison and the Billion Dollar Congress…
The Election of 1888…
Analysis
Benjamin Harrison was the grandson of
William Henry Harrison (war hero; Battle of
Tippecanoe and president briefly in 1841). He
defeated Cleveland, the sitting president,
although Cleveland had more popular votes.
The main issue was the tariff. Harrison favored
protective tariffs and Cleveland wanted them
reduced, because he saw them as unfair taxes
on consumers. Identify a comparative context
for this election.
The Growth of Discontent Continued…
Key Concepts
and Main
Ideas
The “Gilded
Age” witnessed
new cultural
and intellectual
movements in
tandem with
political
debates over
economic and
social policies.
Notes
Analysis
Billion Dollar Congress..
1.
The McKinley Tariff of 1890…
Which action by the Billion Dollar
Congress was the most impactful?
Explain and defend your answer with
specific evidence.
Note on McKinley Tariff:
The Democrats had pledged to lower tariffs, and protested the McKinley Tariff… but by the time the WilsonGorman Tariff of 1894 made it through Congress, it was so loaded with special-interest protection that it
hardly made a difference in the McKinley Tariff rates. Cleveland allowed the bill, but the Supreme Court,
much to the dismay of the Populists, struck down the income tax provision of the tariff.
2.
3.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890…
Note on the Sherman Antitrust Act:
Despite being a step toward challenging trusts and protecting the free market, this act was largely
unsuccessful, because politicians were unwilling to truly challenge big business and the new law was used
more to thwart efforts of organized labor than to break up the power of the monopolies – trusts.
4.
Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890…
Note on the Silver Purchase Act:
Although this was a victory for farmers and other debtors, it was unsuccessful because the increased supply
of silver reduced its value which resulted in the inability of miners to make a profit and leading thousands to
exchange silver notes for gold notes which led to lack of gold supply.
5.
Return of the Democrats…
Rise of the
Populists…
Omaha Platform…
Explain how the Populists illustrate the
impact of industrialization and
urbanization. Defend your answer with
specific evidence.
The Growth of Discontent Continued…
Key Concepts
and Main
Ideas
Notes
Analysis
The Election of 1892…
Compare the Wilson-Gorman Tariff of 1894 to the McKinley Tariff
of 1890. What is significant about this comparison in terms of
politics?
Deja vu
The “Gilded
Age” witnessed
new cultural
and intellectual
movements in
tandem with
political
debates over
economic and
social policies.
Depression Politics…
Panic of 1893…
Were William H. Harvey’s views more consistent with Jacksonian
Democrats or Lincoln Republicans. Explain your answer.
Gold Reserve and Tariff…
Jobless on the March…
5. Turning Point in American Politics: 1896, pp388-390
Key Concepts and Main Ideas
Notes
The “Gilded Age” witnessed
new cultural and intellectual
movements in tandem with
political debates over
economic and social
policies.
Turning Point in American Politics: 1896…
The Election of 1896…
Bryan, Democrats, and Populists…
McKinley, Hanna, and Republicans…
Gilded Age Presidents did not assess the government in the same
way populists and progressives did. How does this event,
“Coxey’s Army,” illustrate a turning point in American politics?
Turning Point in American Politics: 1896 Continued…
Key Concepts and Main Ideas
Notes
The “Gilded Age” witnessed
new cultural and intellectual
movements in tandem with
political debates over
economic and social
policies.
McKinley’s Presidency…
Significance of the Election of 1896… Populist Demise… Urban Dominance… Beginning of Modern Politics…
EXPLAIN THOROUGHLY…
6. Historical Perspectives: Who Were The Populists? Page 391
To what extent was the Populist movement a practical, liberal
response to the political and economic problems of the Gilded
Age?
To what extent was the Populist movement a romantic, idealistic
response to the changes in American culture and economy during the
Gilded Age?
Evidence for Populists as Realistic:
Evidence for Populists as Idealistic:
“There is indeed much that is good and usable in our Populist past… Populism was the first modern political movement of practical importance in the
United States to insist that the federal government has some responsibility for the common weal. … Populists… bypassed and humiliated by the advance
of industrialism… were rebelling against the domination of the country by industrial and financial capitalists… They sought to restore the conditions
prevailing before the development of industrialism and the commercialization of agriculture.”
Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform from Bryan to F.D.R., 1955
“…Populism was indeed a response to the times, but it was also something more. It was an attempt to transcend those times and, in the act of
transcending the existing social context, to pose an alternative conception for the development of America… Thus, Populists contended, government
must be a responsive tool, one which can actively intervene in the economy to regulate matters affecting the public interest, and when necessary own
outright monopolies of this character, and can just as actively aid the underprivileged and work for a more equitable distribution of wealth.”
Norman Pollack, The Populist Mind, 1967
The essential difference between these two viewpoints is:
Reading Guide written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School
Sources include but are not limited to: 2015 edition of AMSCO’s United States History Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination,
2012 and 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States History Framework, and other sources as cited in document and collected/adapted over 20 years of teaching and collaborating..